About this course

Entry requirements

A minimum 2:2 Honours degree in a social science, or related discipline.
Applicants with established professional experience will be considered on an individual basis via the Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL)/Accreditation of Prior Experiential Learning (APEL) mechanism (University regulations will apply).
The course welcomes international applicants and requires an English level of IELTS 6.5 or equivalent.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Our Major Crime Investigation and Management Masters has been designed to provide detectives, police officers/staff and others with the knowledge and skills to conduct and manage major crime investigations from start to finish.

Whether you’re simply fascinated by issues relating to crime or aspire to lead a major crime unit, this Masters degree provides a unique platform to hone management skills specifically tailored for significant criminal investigations.

Your studies will be underpinned by the latest international recognised research in the field undertaken by the Centre for Criminology at the University. Many of our staff are research active and have expertise in homicide and major crime investigations - working in collaboration with police and senior crime detectives all over the world. For you, this means not only will you be taught by academics who are leading their field, but you’ll hear from guest speakers who are actively involved in delivering the course and will be able to share their experiences of criminal investigations.

What you will study

You’ll gain an in-depth understanding of the diverse nature and range of major crime investigations throughout the course. Building up your knowledge and investigatory skills in every facet of crime investigation, you’ll develop an advanced understanding of the characteristics and causes of difficult-to-solve homicides, an appreciation of evidence and theory around ‘failed’ and successful investigations, the gathering and managing of data, intelligence, and scientific evidence.

A key element to your studies will also focus around aspects involved in managing and conducting major investigations, from managing small and large investigative teams to working with external agencies including forensic science providers and the media.

The course has a strong theoretical foundation and will include research methods training that will develop your with critical and analytical skills. This means you’ll be better equipped to make sense of large volumes of complex data and intelligence – a typical characteristic of modern day major crime investigation.

Learning and teaching methods

Taught by a team of lecturers with long-standing expertise in the field, you will learn through a mix of lectures, seminars and tutorials. The teaching team comprises of active researchers in the theory and practice of criminal investigation, so you’ll benefit from being taught by staff at the forefront of their subject.

The University has an established Criminal Investigation Research Network (CIRN), led by Professor Fiona Brookman that brings together leading academics, senior investigating officers and practitioners - ensuring your learning is informed by the latest development in the field. An important feature of your studies will be hearing directly from those with distinct professional experiences of, and in some cases diverse roles within, police investigations.

Work Experience and Employment Prospects

Upon successful completion of this Masters degree you could pursue a career as a leading investigation professional. The diverse nature of the course will help develop skills that cover a range of skills and abilities that are supported in a wide range of careers.

Assessment methods

Assessment methods are varied and include essays, critiques, written examinations, multiple choice tests, and oral and poster presentations.